Events like this remind me exactly why I love photography. I had the honor of stepping in as a second shooter for the talented Lacey Michelle on the second day of Amber Bonnici’s three-day women’s retreat at Papa Kona. The day was overflowing with color, expression, powerful conversations, and the kind of warm feminine energy that fills a space with meaning.
Held on the oceanfront deck of Papa Kona in Kailua-Kona, the retreat blended creativity, healing, and community in the most beautiful way. From the first moment stepping into the retreat the space buzzed with warm conversation, anticipation, and the kind of collective feminine energy that makes you feel instantly at ease.
Papa Kona is already a dreamy venue on its own, waves rolling underneath the deck, palms swaying overhead, and natural light gently filling the space. But on this day, it transformed into an open-air art studio. Tables were covered with canvases, brushes, vibrant paints, and water cups. Women gathered around, some meeting for the first time and others reconnecting with familiar faces. The mix of bright colors, ocean views, and soft shade created a peaceful, grounded environment where everyone felt free to express themselves.
One of the most powerful parts of the retreat was watching Amber paint live as she guided the group. Standing beside her easel, ocean behind her, she demonstrated each step with intention. Blending, layering, shifting colors with movement and meaning. She didn’t just teach painting; she taught presence, letting go, and trusting your own creativity.
The room grew quiet in the best way — the kind of focused silence that only happens when everyone is fully in the moment. From behind my lens, I captured everything from Amber’s expressive brushstrokes to the quiet concentration on each woman’s face as they created alongside her.
Second shooting with Lacey Michelle was seamless and inspiring — she has an incredible eye for intention and detail. Working alongside her allowed me to capture different angles, candid expressions, and the quiet interactions that completed the story of the day. Every retreat has a rhythm, and this one flowed so effortlessly — conversations, brushstrokes, waves below, laughter, reflection, and moments of deep presence.
By the end of my time there, the tables were full the powerful women reflecting themselves onto the canvas in front of them — each vibrant, each unique, each representing a different story. There was this warm, radiant feeling in the room… the kind you carry home with you. Documenting this retreat reminded me how powerful it is when women come together to create, express, and support one another. And I’m grateful I got to witness and capture every layer of it.
